Dry hiring an excavator puts the machine in your team’s hands, so the first checks before work begins deserve more attention than a quick walk-around.
A practical pre-start should confirm that the excavator matches the booking, the machine appears serviceable, the attachment is secure, the work area is suitable and any fault is identified before digging starts.
This checklist is designed as a planning guide for dry hire customers. It should be used alongside the operator manual for the specific excavator, site procedures and any requirements that apply to the project.
Start With the Machine You Actually Hired
Before checking fluids or controls, confirm that the excavator delivered to site is the machine expected for the job.
Check the model or fleet identification, attachments supplied, hour meter reading and any accessories or transport items that arrived with the machine. This creates a clear starting point before the excavator is put to work.
APU provides a range of excavator hire options across Brisbane and Southeast Queensland, including compact and larger excavators available for wet or dry hire.
Walk Around the Excavator Before Starting It
Complete the first inspection with the machine stopped and positioned safely. Look for anything that appears damaged, loose, leaking or different from the expected condition.
- Visible hydraulic, fuel, coolant or oil leaks
- Damage to body panels, guards, steps or handrails
- Track condition and obvious damage
- Hydraulic hoses and fittings
- Bucket, attachment, pins and retaining components
- Quick hitch or attachment locking components where fitted
- Windows, mirrors, lights and cameras where fitted
- Loose items around the cab or machine
- Any damage that may have occurred during transport
If damage or a leak is identified, record it before operation and contact the hire provider where required. A pre-start is the wrong time to assume a fault will disappear once the machine warms up.
Check Fluid Levels and Fuel
Fluid and fuel checks should follow the operator manual for the specific excavator. The exact access points and acceptable levels vary by machine.
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Hydraulic oil
- Fuel
- Other model-specific service points identified in the operator manual
Do not rely on memory from another excavator model. Dry hire fleets can include different machines with different layouts and service requirements.
Inspect the Bucket, Attachment and Quick Hitch
Attachments deserve a separate check because they are part of the working end of the machine.
Confirm the bucket or attachment appears correctly fitted, pins and retaining components are in place, and there is no obvious damage that could affect operation. Where a quick hitch is fitted, follow the manufacturer’s procedure for confirming that the attachment is locked.
Repeat the attachment check whenever an attachment is changed during the hire period.
Check the Cab and Safety Devices
Before moving the excavator, check the operator area and the safety devices fitted to the machine.
- Seat and seat belt condition
- Control levers and pedals
- Horn
- Warning lights and gauges
- Reversing alarm if fitted
- Beacon or work lights if fitted
- Mirrors or camera systems if fitted
- ROPS or FOPS structure for obvious damage
- Emergency controls identified in the operator manual
- The operator should also know how to shut the machine down safely before work begins.
Run a Controlled Function Check
After the visual checks are complete, start the excavator in a clear area and watch for abnormal warning lights, unusual noises or unexpected behaviour.
Where site conditions allow, slowly test the main functions before beginning excavation. This may include travel, steering, boom, arm, bucket and attachment functions relevant to the machine.
A controlled function check can reveal a problem that is not visible during the walk-around.
Inspect the Work Area Before the First Dig
A serviceable excavator can still be unsuitable for the immediate work area. The pre-start should therefore include the site around the machine.
- Ground stability and soft areas
- Slopes or edges that affect machine positioning
- Overhead obstructions
- Nearby structures, fences or vehicles
- People working within the operating area
- Access and egress for the excavator
- Space for tail swing and boom movement
- Known underground services and project controls
- Planned spoil placement or loading area
If underground services may be present, excavation controls and service information should be resolved before digging starts. The excavator pre-start does not replace project-specific service locating, permits or excavation procedures.
Confirm the Operator Is Familiar With the Machine
Dry hire means the equipment is supplied without an APU operator. The person operating the excavator therefore needs to be appropriately competent and familiar with the machine and the work.
Before work begins, confirm that the operator understands the controls, attachments, operating limits and shutdown procedure for the excavator supplied.
If the operator is unfamiliar with the model, stop and review the operator information before using the machine.
Know What to Do If You Find a Fault
A checklist only has value if identified faults change what happens next.
If a defect could affect safe operation, stop the machine from being used and report the issue. Record what was found and follow the hire provider and site process before the excavator returns to work.
Do not continue operating simply because the machine has already been delivered or the job is running behind schedule.
Check the Hire Conditions Before the Job Starts
Dry hire responsibilities continue beyond the morning pre-start. APU’s Terms of Hire state that hired machines must be returned clean and refuelled, and that damage during the hire period may result in charges to the hirer.
Reading the hire conditions before operation helps the team understand the expectations for fuel, cleaning, damage reporting, off-hire notification and return condition.
It is easier to manage those responsibilities before work starts than at the end of the hire.
Excavator Dry Hire Pre-Start Checklist
- Confirm excavator model or fleet ID
- Record hour meter reading
- Confirm supplied attachments
- Inspect for leaks or visible damage
- Check tracks
- Inspect hoses and fittings
- Check bucket, pins and attachment security
- Confirm quick hitch locking where fitted
- Check fluid and fuel levels using the operator manual
- Inspect cab, seat and seat belt
- Check horn, warning systems and fitted visibility aids
- Start the machine and check gauges
- Complete a slow function test in a clear area
- Check ground conditions and operating space
- Confirm underground service controls before digging
- Confirm the operator is competent and familiar with the machine
- Record and report any faults before operation
A Better Start to a Dry Hire Job
The few minutes spent checking the excavator, attachment and work area before the first dig can prevent a small issue from becoming a much larger disruption.
For dry hire, the useful habit is simple: confirm the machine, inspect it properly, test the functions, check the site and resolve faults before excavation starts.
That process gives the operator a clear starting point and helps protect the machine and the project throughout the hire period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I check before using a dry hire excavator?
Start with a walk-around inspection, fluid and fuel checks, attachment security, cab and safety devices, a controlled function test and the immediate work area. Follow the operator manual for the specific machine and record any faults before use.
Who should complete the excavator pre-start?
The person operating the excavator should be directly involved in the pre-start because they need to understand the machine’s condition, controls and any defects identified before work begins.
Should I check the excavator again after changing attachments?
Yes. Attachment security should be checked after an attachment change. Where a quick hitch is fitted, follow the manufacturer’s locking and verification procedure before returning to work.
What should I do if I find a hydraulic leak or damaged component?
Stop and assess the fault before operating the excavator. If it could affect safe operation, keep the machine out of use and report the issue through the relevant hire and site process.
Does a pre-start replace the excavator operator manual?
No. The operator manual for the specific excavator remains the primary reference for model-specific checks, controls and operating procedures.
What should I know about returning a dry hire excavator?
APU’s Terms of Hire state that hired machines must be returned clean and refuelled. Hirers should also understand the applicable off-hire notification, damage and other return conditions before the job starts.